Factors influencing moving costs from Winston-Salem to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Winston-Salem movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Winston-Salem to Charleston can be as low as $1,065 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,058.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Winston-Salem, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $361 to $893. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Charleston

Moving from Winston-Salem to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Winston-Salem, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Winston-Salem Charleston
Average rent cost $1,300 $2,500
Average home value $248,806 $559,231
Average income (per capita) $62,431 $62,294
Cost of living (single person) $2,420 $5,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,265 $7,890
Unemployment rate 5.2% 4.0%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.0%
State income tax 4.5% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 92% higher than in Winston-Salem, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Winston-Salem.
    Home prices in Charleston are 124.8% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • Income is the same in Charleston and Winston-Salem. The top employers in Charleston include Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 119.0% higher than in Winston-Salem. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Charleston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 49.9% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 23.08% lower than in Winston-Salem.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Charleston are 28.57% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 55.56% higher than in Winston-Salem.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,570.25 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Winston-Salem.

How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Charleston

Charleston Winston-Salem
Population 150,277 249,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 3
Walkability score 40 22
Bike friendliness score 50 29
Crime Index 44.97 32.67
Safety Index 55.03 67.33
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 40% less than Winston-Salem.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a similar score to Winston-Salem.
  • Charleston is more walkable than Winston-Salem with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Winston-Salem's 22 out of 100.
  • With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Winston-Salem, which has a score of 29 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Charleston's crime rate is higher than Winston-Salem with a score of 44.97 compared to Winston-Salem's 32.67. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67%.
  • Charleston is considered to be less safe than Winston-Salem with a score of 55.03 vs Winston-Salem's 67.33.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Winston-Salem it's good.

Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem vs. Charleston move

  • Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toCharleston Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Charleston

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Holy City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Harleston Village
  • James Island
  • North Charleston
  • South of Broad West Ashley

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Mount Pleasant
  • Park Circle
  • Stiles Point
  • Summerville
  • Wagener Terrace

Things to do in Charleston

After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, itโ€™s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Charleston?

The best time to move from Winston-Salem to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Winston-Salem.

When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Winston-Salem to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Winston-Salem to Charleston take?

The 286-mile move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Charleston, SC, takes one to four days. Some Winston-Salem movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources